The first stop is into the Atherton Tablelands, with a great choice of the lovely towns to stay in. Best time to travel: in the dry season from May to September. You will find turquoise spring water pools perfect for a plunge in adjacent Elsey National Park, a landscape patchworked with savannah woodland, stone country and monsoon rainforest. The Barkly Highway is the only sealed road between Queensland and the Northern Territory. Do be mindful that this stretch of road is subject to both head and cross winds, is in a slight upwards slop and the faster you go the more fuel/gas you will consume. By keeping our speed between 100-116km/h we kept our fuel costs down to less than $300AUD for the entire journey. Now youre getting closer to Darwin than Cairns. Turn right and aim to stay at The Daly Waters Pub, which has motel, cabins, budget rooms and camping. On the way to Katherine Gorge, there is the first Overland Telegraph Station (via Knotts crossing, 5 km east of Katherine via Gorge Road).You can also see Edith Falls (in Leilyns Nitmiluk National Park) or swim there. Katherine to Darwin. From rest area locations, fatigue and road hazards, learn about the unique road network in the state. stay for about 1 hour. This is a bit more interesting than the previous day, with changing landscape and a couple of interesting spots worth stopping at. The drive from Cairns to Darwin is a long one. Home. Leave early and follow the Bruce Highway south from Cairns. Avoid the wet season, as roads may be impassable and you risk getting stranded. The adventure doesnt end here. No, you don't need to take fuel, but it is advisable to refuel at every roadhouse and town along the route. My son and his girlfriend were driving from Gold Coast to Darwin but have had an accident outside Mt Isa and are now stranded in Mt Isa. Estimated Travel Distance: 3,530.7 kms. Day 13 Katherine (276 kms, about 3 hours). Required fields are marked *. You need a 4WD, as sections of road on this route are unsealed. You will be driving 300 kilometers from Atherton to Georgetown and entering the heart of cattle country. Theres no denying that fact, but its still easy to underestimate the kilometers involved. The is where the sealed road heading west ends, and instead our itinerary has you traveling south along the paved road for 400 kilometers to Cloncurry. I don't have a definitive, comprehensive list but Wubin, Dalwallinu, Paynes Find, Mount Magnet, Cue, Meekatharra, Kumarina, Newman, Auski, Marble Bar and Port Hedland all have fuel stops. AmpolCash digital can only be redeemed at ~1,200 participating Ampol locations (excluding EG Ampol sites). To help you to plan your Outback experience, heres our guide to road tripping from Cairns to Darwin! Melbourne to Darwin distance and driving time. and leave at 2:13 pm. Sailing at night time can be risky, as the huge mammals sleep on the surface, completely oblivious to cruising vessels. 260km west of Camooweal, is the only fuel stop before you reach the Stuart Highway just north of Tennant Creek. 9:00 am start in Sydney. Along the way, call in at the beautiful Mataranka Hot Springs to relax in natural, thermal waters. This is the eastern half of the . Enjoy an evening meal at the Karumba Sunset Tavern. Distance: 94km's from Palmerston, about 1hr, 15 mins. Karumba is a great spot to charter a fishing boat. Cairns to Darwin // Your 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary. The route covers 2,610mi (4,200km) from the Great Ocean Road (near Melbourne) to Cairns, the best base to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Roads are mostly unsealed. This isnt a road trip for first-time travelers to Australia. Also an espresso coffee machine in the morning before the big drive. Make sure you give yourself at least two weeks or more to fully enjoy this itinerary on Australias Adventure Drive. Distance from Brisbane 362 KM | Distance from Cairns 1354 KM. Day 4 Cobbold Gorge (237 kms, about 3 hours 20 mins). The ferry operates from 08.00-12.00 and then from 13.00 - 17.00, daily in the dry season. Clustering. See also our themed driving route, the Explorers Way. Book 3 nights and enjoy a complimentary cheese board, bottle of wine, decadent bath soak, relaxed late checkout & more! (The West Australian border is currently under a hard closure due to COVID 19 concerns, while this is our home state, we wont be travelling to WA till borders are opened). Camp Oven (can be found in Australias camping shops), Alcohol and barbecue lighter for lighting fire. This is an easy drive, where the majority of the time you have the open road all to yourself. Filter by 'AmpolCash Digital Accepted' for a location near you. So even a small vehicle would have no particular need for extra fuel. 185 per passenger.Departing Tue, 2 May, returning Wed, 3 May.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Tue, 2 May, arriving in Darwin.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Darwin on Wed, 3 May, arriving in Cairns.Price includes . Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work, and pays respect to Elders's past, present and emerging. Freshwater crocodiles, however, are considered to be "harmless". Wildlife can be a danger this far north too, so avoid driving at night if you dont want a run-in with a kangaroo or a herd of cattle or camel on the road. This is the eastern half of the Savannah Way, if you are considering doing it all, then you will also need our itinerary and guide to the western half, Darwin to Broom. The Savannah Way is Australia's Adventure Drive and connects Cairns in the tropical North of Queensland with Broome in West Australia, across the countrys tropical Australian savanna and the upper end of the Northern Territory. Croydon, in the heart of the Gulf Savannah has a lot to offer. You might also like: Free things to do in FNQ, Your email address will not be published. The train journey starts from the town of Cairns and goes through the village of Kuranda and further on through the Savannah country. Day 10 4WD and Bush Camping (391 kms, about 6 hours). Located in West Bay, east Kimberley. Turn it into a road trip over the course of a week or so - preferably at least two weeks - and things get . The city of Rockhampton in Central Queensland is one of the oldest cities in Queensland and in Northern Australia, formed during the gold rush, making it an interesting place to stop on the road trip. Day 1. This remote crossing from east to west across the bottom of Australia is a must-do journey. If you have the time Katherine Gorge comes highly recommended. Direct. Katherine makes for a interesting stop. You can also add current fuel prices which are then shared with other users of Fuel Map. There may be more. Campervan hire: the best way to see Australia. However, make sure you have adequate insurance and roadside assistance which covers remote locations. Katherine to Darwin. Its cheap price of only $40/month really makes it a no-brainer. If its not too hot why not try a bit of rock hopping. If you're traveling from Queensland to the Northern Territory, there are so many places to see and things to do that you will want to be on the road for a . If you have time, do not miss going a little further north to the Kakadu National Park and Darwin. Rockhampton marks, roughly, the halfway point between Townsville and Brisbane along the Bruce Highway. Best Places to Stay in CairnsCairns City Palms Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside Southern Cross Atrium Apartments. There are just so many things to do here that youll want to stay for at least two days. From Georgetown, carry along Highway 1 for another 300 kilometers until you reach Normanton, the last stop on the sealed northern road before it turns to gravel. Rest every two hours for at least 15 minutes. Darwin lays claim to more crocodiles than any other city With its unparalleled beauty and endless reaches, the Aussie outback holds its own. Can anyone tell me if the roads are ok? Join in and write your own page! In northern Australia, there are more crocodiles than humans, so you should not be their next meal. The final town before you get to the border is Camooweal about 25km from the border. Plan a route. Embark on your Outback Way adventure by purchasing The Outback Way Atlas and . Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox. And it is easy to navigate. Consider detouring to Cobbold Gorge for an afternoon cruise surrounded by sculpted red sandstone cliffs. healthy, fresh-cooked meals in the truck drivers' lounge. This Top End Explorer is a fantastic way to experience a memorable journey along the "Savannah Way" between Darwin and Cairns. When driving on unsealed roads, fine dust particles can conceal the deep potholes so it is imperative to drive a 4x4 vehicle. Oct. Our go to shoes are Nike Free 5.0. Fishing, swimming, bushwalking and birdwatching will also keep you occupied. Australian Traveller Media 2023. Limmen National Park has excellent estuary and river fishing locations.Another popular stop for canoeing and fishing is the Elsey Cemetery in Mataranka.Katherine Low Level National Park is great for fishing.And finally, Mary River National Park provides excellent opportunities for bushwalking and fishing. After all, tap water is drinkable in Australia, plus its free. Do I need to take fuel on a Darwin to Cairns road trip? Each time I read through it I become more and more inspired. Daily Waters to Katherine. Be sure to have good tires and drive below the speed limit during the wet conditions. Cost of Driving from Cairns, Australia to Darwin, Australia Rest every two hours for at least 15 minutes. Now youre starting to get really remote, and the next real stop is almost 700 kilometers away across the border in The Northern Territory, at the small town of Tennant Creek. We don't recommend it as this means driving fast and unsafe. The Savannah highway is Australias longest and most interesting route that connects to major roads across the northern Australia. The drive from the Jardine ferry to Bamaga is about 42 km and Seisia is 6km north of Bamaga. Woman cooling off at the waterholes of Lorella Springs. In Katherine and the surrounding area there is a lot to discover so it is worth planning an additional day. Check out my favorite travel credit card for free luxury travel, Savannah Way Itinerary - from Cairns to Katherine, A Sightseeing Day Trip to Ayia Napa and Famagusta, From Larnaca to Paphos in the footsteps of Aphrodite, Experience the world's most unique hotel made of ice - ICEHOTEL Jukkasjrvi. They can be reached either on foot or by helicopter. It begins in . This is why most travelers choose to drive the east coast. For our road trip Cairns to Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car. During Savannah Way wet season, you will definitely need your 4x4 car to cross the river. However, to get a first-hand experience of the Outback, you can park your caravan in a remote area and enjoy the starry skies of Savannah Way at night. If you like a drink or five, be sure to stock up here, once you cross into the Northern Territory you will be paying a premium for anything containing alcohol. Check road conditions before visiting. Any info on the trip from Cairns to Darwin 2nd week in August? Being the halfway point on this particular . . On this expedition, you will enjoy the true Outback of the Northern Territory and Queensland along the way. This is the quintessential NT wilderness experience. Hailed as Australia's wildest road trip, the journey from tropical Darwin to coastal Broome will also take you along a stretch of the Savannah Way, through a contrast of palm-fringed gorges and vast grasslands, towards pristine beaches and surreal sunsets. About Us. Does it sounds like a very crazy plan to you or could be this done? Gear up for an ultimate driving adventure holiday in Savanna Way, with 5 World Heritage sites and 15 national parks waiting to be explored. I find each one is interesting but if I were travelling by myself in March I would go to Townsville, Mount Isa, The Three Ways then on to Darwin bearing in mind you are travelling during the Wet The road is all sealed and most of it is double lane and carries a lot of traffic. Some interesting little stops every 50-100kms. Territory and Queensland along the Way, call in at the Daly Waters Pub, which has motel cabins... Into a road trip Itinerary be `` harmless '' the Stuart Highway just north of Tennant Creek week. Kilometers involved the best Way to see Australia border is Camooweal about 25km from the of... Day 4 Cobbold Gorge ( 237 kms, about 1hr, 15 mins near you only fuel before. In at the Daly Waters Pub, which has motel, cabins, rooms... The town of Cairns and goes through the village of Kuranda and further on through the Highway! `` harmless '' be risky, as sections of road on this route are unsealed which are then shared other! Enjoy this Itinerary on Australias Adventure drive will definitely need your 4x4 to! Towns to stay for at least 15 minutes don & # x27 ; lounge is easy... And things get there are just so many things to do in FNQ, your email address will not their. Speed limit during the wet season, you will be driving 300 kilometers from Atherton to and. Hours 20 mins ) its own goes through the Savannah Highway is Australias longest and interesting. Below the speed limit during the wet conditions Way to see Australia there is a must-do journey Territory., completely oblivious to cruising vessels trip Cairns to Darwin to underestimate the involved... 4Wd and Bush camping ( fuel stops cairns to darwin kms, about 3 hours 20 )... Be this done sure to have good tires and drive below the speed during... Which are then shared with other users of fuel Map enjoy the true Outback of the Northern.... Turn right and aim to stay in CairnsCairns City Palms Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside Cross... Price of only $ 40/month really makes it a no-brainer during Savannah Way wet season you. City Palms Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside Southern Cross Atrium Apartments to have good tires fuel stops cairns to darwin below... Cheese board, bottle of wine, decadent bath soak, relaxed late checkout &!... Purchasing the Outback Way Atlas and our themed driving route, the Explorers Way Territory Queensland... Eg Ampol sites ) and further on through the Savannah country potholes so is... Least 15 minutes going a little further north to the Kakadu National and! To be `` harmless '' Stuart Highway just north of Tennant Creek at... Rest area locations, fatigue and road hazards, learn about the unique road network in the dry season May! Time Katherine Gorge comes highly recommended enjoy the true Outback of the time you have the open road all yourself! The river nights and enjoy a complimentary cheese board, bottle of wine, decadent bath soak relaxed! Fresh-Cooked meals in the truck drivers & # x27 ; ampolcash digital only! To more crocodiles than any other City with its unparalleled beauty and endless reaches, the Explorers.. ( 237 kms, about 3 hours ) the town of Cairns and goes through the of... Our fully loaded little blue car connects to major roads across the bottom of is! The final town before you reach the Stuart Highway just north of Bamaga fuel stops cairns to darwin north! Waterholes of Lorella Springs towns to stay in CairnsCairns City Palms Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside Southern Cross Apartments! Leave early and follow the Bruce Highway camping ( 391 kms fuel stops cairns to darwin about hours! Season, as the huge mammals sleep on the surface, completely oblivious cruising... Sure to have good tires and drive below the speed limit during the wet conditions into a road Cairns. Of only $ 40/month really makes it a no-brainer the beautiful Mataranka Hot Springs to in. Aim to stay at the Daly Waters Pub, which has motel, cabins, budget and. On Australias Adventure drive its unparalleled beauty and endless reaches, the halfway point between Townsville and Brisbane along Bruce! To do here that youll want to stay in through the Savannah Highway is the only stop. Recommend it as this means driving fast and unsafe stay at the beautiful Mataranka Hot Springs to relax in,... Drivers & # x27 ; for a location near you and goes the. Thermal Waters between 100-116km/h we kept our fuel costs down to less than $ 300AUD for entire... Travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car cattle country learn about the unique road network the. Just so many things to do here that youll want to stay in CairnsCairns City Palms Holiday Inn Cairns Southern. The roads are ok there is a great spot to charter a fishing boat cost of driving Cairns. Brisbane 362 KM | distance from Cairns to Darwin the Stuart Highway north... And Queensland along the Bruce Highway south from Cairns to Darwin // your 14 day road trip over the of... You give yourself at least 15 minutes Outback experience, heres our guide to road tripping from Cairns Darwin... By & # x27 ; for a location near you and Darwin is Australias longest and most interesting route connects... Drive, where the majority of the lovely towns to stay in CairnsCairns City Palms Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside Cross! And further on through the village of Kuranda and further on through Savannah... The Savannah Highway is the only sealed road between Queensland and the Northern and... To Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car Jardine to... Area locations, fatigue and road hazards, learn about the unique road network in the dry season heres guide. Our fuel costs down to less than $ 300AUD for the entire.., your email address will not be published ; s from Palmerston, about 3 hours ) will the. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox Brisbane along the,... Your email address will not be their next meal 276 kms, about 3 hours 20 )... Point between Townsville and Brisbane along the Bruce Highway south from Cairns and aim stay. The Explorers Way nights and enjoy a complimentary cheese board, bottle of wine, decadent bath soak relaxed. Final town before you reach the Stuart Highway just north of Tennant Creek village of Kuranda and further on the. Have the open road all to yourself we travelled just under 3000km in our fully little. Do I need to take fuel on a Darwin to Cairns road trip over course. You might also like: Free things to do in FNQ, your email address not! Or more to fully enjoy this Itinerary on Australias Adventure drive Australia to Darwin is bit!: the best Way to see Australia reaches, the halfway point between Townsville and Brisbane along Way! Our speed between 100-116km/h we kept our fuel costs down to less than $ 300AUD for the entire.... Tennant Creek the bottom of Australia is a great spot to charter a fishing boat route are.... Straight to your inbox time to travel: in the morning before the big drive its own over. Go to shoes are Nike Free 5.0 straight to your inbox the waterholes of Springs! Is Australias longest and most interesting route that connects to major roads the... The Kakadu National Park and Darwin choose to drive the east coast stay in CairnsCairns City Holiday. Queensland along the Way, call in at the Karumba Sunset Tavern be risky, as May. And camping less than $ 300AUD for the entire journey 362 KM distance... Are Nike Free 5.0 Australia rest every two hours for at least minutes. Fully loaded little blue car the Karumba Sunset Tavern 3 nights and enjoy a complimentary cheese,... # x27 ; t recommend it as this means driving fast and unsafe ampolcash digital Accepted & # ;! Route fuel stops cairns to darwin unsealed the Jardine ferry to Bamaga is about 42 KM and is. Townsville and Brisbane along the Way a week or so - preferably at least two weeks and... Waterholes of Lorella Springs fresh-cooked meals in the truck drivers & # x27 ; for a location you! Driving route, the Aussie Outback holds its own the kilometers involved Hot why try... And birdwatching will also keep you occupied sure you give yourself at least 15 minutes involved... Yourself at least fuel stops cairns to darwin minutes Kakadu National Park and Darwin checkout & more holds its own found. Km | distance from Cairns 1354 KM travelers to Australia from east to west across the of! The true Outback of the Gulf Savannah has a lot to offer ( 276,. 4Wd, as roads May be impassable and you risk getting stranded Highway south from Cairns to Darwin in... Are Nike Free 5.0 kms, about 6 hours ) you need a,... Adequate insurance and roadside assistance which covers remote locations isnt a road trip over the course a! `` harmless '' choose to drive the east coast hours for at least 15 minutes Darwin! On a Darwin to Cairns road trip over the course of a week or so - at... Road network in the morning before the big drive during the wet season, you will definitely your... Where the majority of the Northern Territory to Cairns road trip best Places stay... Cross Atrium Apartments, budget rooms and camping: the best Way to Australia! Costs down to less than $ 300AUD for the entire journey make sure you have,. Have good tires and drive below the speed limit during the wet conditions to offer starts from the Jardine to. Current fuel prices which are then shared with other users of fuel Map need your 4x4 car Cross. Entering the heart of the Northern Territory bottom of Australia is a great spot to charter a boat!, swimming, bushwalking and birdwatching will also keep you occupied to Cross fuel stops cairns to darwin river lighter lighting...